[J-dawg]

I'm aware of the same thing in the UK. I don't know whether something has happened over the years or if it's always been that way.

So many people seem content in their assumption that the state is essentially benevolent and wise and on their side.

Even with the recent spate of ridiculous arrests and prosecutions we've had over freedom-of-speech issues (which some of us find terrifying), you get this attitude of "well, it seems a bit harsh, but he did break the law!"

I like to remind people that you don't need to look very far back for examples of when the state got it very, very wrong (by modern standards of morality). The illegality of homosexuality, and the cruel punishment inflicted on people like Alan Turing, is the most obvious example of this.

[kaybe]

As a German I am very very aware of the distinction, and our school system puts emphasis on this too. Just following the rules is no excuse.